Welp I have no idea what's up with this kitty. She should be 10 -12 pounds at the very most. She's now 17.5. She gained over 1.5 pounds of that in 8 months. She's been steady gaining since she was brought in 2 years ago however... she had started to gain weight when she was a feral living outside.
After her emergency she lost the weight (Mind you refusing to eat I think did that.) When she started to gain too much weight she was tested for hyperactive thyroid and diabetes. Both okay. but that was 1.5 years ago.
She's been inside 2 years now.
It's a multi-cat home and she was sneaking extra food but for a years + now I've been watching closely. For at least 3 months she's had one meal reduced. I had expected to see a small reduction in her weight not a whooping 1.5 pound gain. She doesn't eat, from what I can see, enough to have her gain all that. I've also been moving her more too.
Her annual visit was last Monday (her vet is on Mat leave so another dr is looking after her) they have placed her on a metabolic diet. (Hills) 1 can wet and 1/4 cup dry + a few treats. This would bring her, if she eats it all, which is part of what I said above, 220 calories. Why does this concern me? She 17.5 pounds, that calorie count would be for if she was 10.5 pounds. I of course will comply but will be weighing her weekly to make sure the drop isn't too fast - IF she drops at all.
During her physical they did have to empty her anal glands as she occasionally has a thing there but forgot to do her bloodwork. In fairness to the vet I guess not everyone get bloodwork done for their kitties on annual check ups. Needless to say she is back at the vets today getting that done and they want to do Urine work too.
I guess a few things:
If it's not overeating - what else causes weight gain in kitties? I mentioned having her tested Hypo-active thyroid to the vet last week and she dismissed it. Which is fine.
What else can I do to help her?
Anyone have experience with the metabolic hills?
Edit to add: They are going to do the Thyroid. If I'm wrong, and probably am - great, but all the weight gain fast with the amount she's eating just seems really off. I'm glad we'll rule that out.
After her emergency she lost the weight (Mind you refusing to eat I think did that.) When she started to gain too much weight she was tested for hyperactive thyroid and diabetes. Both okay. but that was 1.5 years ago.
She's been inside 2 years now.
It's a multi-cat home and she was sneaking extra food but for a years + now I've been watching closely. For at least 3 months she's had one meal reduced. I had expected to see a small reduction in her weight not a whooping 1.5 pound gain. She doesn't eat, from what I can see, enough to have her gain all that. I've also been moving her more too.
Her annual visit was last Monday (her vet is on Mat leave so another dr is looking after her) they have placed her on a metabolic diet. (Hills) 1 can wet and 1/4 cup dry + a few treats. This would bring her, if she eats it all, which is part of what I said above, 220 calories. Why does this concern me? She 17.5 pounds, that calorie count would be for if she was 10.5 pounds. I of course will comply but will be weighing her weekly to make sure the drop isn't too fast - IF she drops at all.
During her physical they did have to empty her anal glands as she occasionally has a thing there but forgot to do her bloodwork. In fairness to the vet I guess not everyone get bloodwork done for their kitties on annual check ups. Needless to say she is back at the vets today getting that done and they want to do Urine work too.
I guess a few things:
If it's not overeating - what else causes weight gain in kitties? I mentioned having her tested Hypo-active thyroid to the vet last week and she dismissed it. Which is fine.
What else can I do to help her?
Anyone have experience with the metabolic hills?
Edit to add: They are going to do the Thyroid. If I'm wrong, and probably am - great, but all the weight gain fast with the amount she's eating just seems really off. I'm glad we'll rule that out.
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